Harbor, Pepperdine Bible Lectures

Here Goes Nothing

Teacher: Wade Hodges

A Theology of Ministry From Ecclesiastes

Conversations Matter

Teachers: Scott and Kim Lambert

We cannot shy away from difficult conversations that matter and we need safe places to have them. Join Scott and Kim Lambert, co-founders of The Conversation Group, to discover why Christian leaders around the world are actively seeking mentorship relationships and leaning into impactful conversations. You will be encouraged by the four principles above and discover how they can impact the relationships you are navigating.

A Guarantee You Can Trust

Teacher: Shon Smith

These days few guarantees seem to be worth more than the paper they are printed on, but in 2 Peter 1 we find a guarantee that one can take to the bank. It is the guarantee that one can make a profound impact on this world for the glory of Jesus. This guarantee, however, hinges on a growing faith. Join us for this class to discuss qualities that every disciple must allow the Holy Spirit to form in them to make the greatest impact through them.

The New Face of Anxiety

Teacher: Ghavinn Crutcher

Texting rather than talking. Gathering likes and followers. Making friends via a gaming console. Unrelenting 24/7 news cycles. Ready or not, the rise of social media, and 24/7 Internet access has changed the way we relate to one another (and ourselves), leaving in its wake a whole new set of challenges for those who use it.

Senior Ministry: Taking Care of Jesus

Teachers: Everett and Earlene Bryson

The world system in which we all live has many different theologies and principles when it comes to serving seniors, the sick and shut-in, the poor, the needy and others. Some think that there is no value in taking care of these individuals. However, Jesus Christ teaches the value in serving and meeting the needs of indigent people. In this session “Senior Ministry: Taking Care of Jesus, we will examine the principles of serving those in needs and the ultimate benefits of this type of service through the message of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-40. This session is part of the Sunset Haven Senior Ministry Series.

I Would Not Have Chosen That Text

Teacher: Candace Nicolds

Do you sometimes struggle coming up with texts for your next sermon series? Perhaps you find yourself defaulting to some of your favorite texts, or those that seem “easy” to preach. In this class, we will discuss some of the positives (and negatives) that come with following a lectionary, look at some of the different lectionaries available, and explore some of the resources that are available for preachers and/or worship-planners who use a lectionary.

Lord, I Want to See

Teacher: Ben Fike

We knew there would be disagreement in church, but nobody warned us about the alternate realities! And yet, doesn’t it sometimes feel as if we’re living in a completely different world from those around us? Many of the conflicts we deal with these days seem to have much less to do with what we see than how we see it. Modern psychology gives us a helpful label for identifying how otherwise similar people might arrive at wildly different interpretations of what they see: cognitive biases. This class will explore several common biases and how awareness of bias in ourselves and others can help us communicate more effectively and others, even and especially those with whom we disagree.

Establishing a Congregational Health Ministry Outreach

Teacher: Allen Wai Jang

Health is viewed as a gift from God and a way of relational living in community. Health promotion and religious beliefs are integrated into the normal cycles of life to celebrate life, enhance coping, wholeness, and improve community well-being. I will use Tai Chi and Qigong exercises as a model to illustrate intentional contextual practices that can foster a congregation’s sense of mutual dependence and foster persons’ ability to both give and receive care.

There Was a Man Who Had Two Sons

Teacher: Dave Altizer

A very personal reflection from a man with two sons; one an alcoholic and one an aspiring chemist/neuroscientist. For parents and churches dealing with two sons, and with Luke 15 as a backdrop, this session aims to offer hope, partnership, and encouragement from a man who is still on the journey with his two sons.

Transforming Anemic Kingdom Imaginations

Teacher: Cheryl Russell

A message from Ephesians 2 about the possibility of cultivating a new Kingdom imagination that reflects the fullness of God.

The Deconstruction of Faith

Teachers: Chris Goldman, Piper Ditzler

Deconstruction of faith is a critical discussion in our time impacting everyone. Reconstruction of relationships seems out of reach to so many. Division and disbelief is running rampant. Avoiding the conversation is simply not an option. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, the Northwest Church Worship Band and Chris Goldman will explore these two topics through scripture, story, music, live art, and suggestions for a more hopeful tomorrow. (Wednesday - Deconstruction; Thursday - Reconstruction).

Who Decides Who Decides?

Teachers: Greg Anderson, Grady King, Doug Peters

HOPE Network leaders discuss leadership structure in Churches of Christ: assumptions, frustrations, and a biblical model of gift-based shared leadership. Polity angst is one of the top reasons for a minister’s transition resulting in congregations yearning for solidarity, health, and growth.

Sacred Wonder and Radical Amazement

Teacher: Richard Beck

Surveys declare that America is now officially a "post-Christian" nation. Churches are in numerical decline and the faith is failing to pass on to our children. How do we proclaim the gospel to a skeptical, disbelieving world? Join Richard Beck to learn how recovering sacred wonder and radical amazement can revitalize faith in a faithless world.

Campus Ministers’ Waters of Life

Teachers: Melvina Brown, Hannah Parmelee

As campus ministers, we generously give students our time, emotional energy, and wisdom, and our life with God. Our lives with God must be constantly refreshed with the Divine Life. When they aren’t, we are weary, burdened, and burnt-out, and our families and ministries suffer along with us. “Campus Ministers’ Waters of Life” is time to renew in the abundant waters of God. We will look at the soil of our souls, the care they need, catch a vision for more of life with God, and pray for one another.

Preaching Through a Pandemic

Teacher: Pat Bills

Panelists: Sara Barton, Randy Harris, Amy Bost Henegar

That churches have been through an unprecedented season of heartache and turmoil is no secret. And preachers have felt the weight of loss, the challenge of meeting high expectations, and a pressure to hold “all the things” together. Join us for a workshop that will offer you hope and encouragement for the task of preaching and leading. Come and be reminded of your call and gospel conviction.

The Church as Storyteller and the Allure of History

Teacher: Jerry Rushford

Panelists: Wes Crawford, Dyron Daughrity, Jamey Gorman, John Mark Hicks, Loretta Hunnicutt, Stanley Talbert

This workshop will encourage a conversation on the many different categories in Restoration history that attract us and compel us to research and write about them. It might also lead to a discussion about which categories have been neglected in our storytelling, and make suggestions for new categories in future publications.

Connecting Kids to God’s Story

Teachers: Marian and Tim Parker

We are all born with a desire to connect to The One who desires us the most. The richness and diversity in God's creation speaks to each child, but not every child experiences or learns in the exact same way. We will explore the ideas and truths in the stories found in scripture using a variety of different methods—science, art, games, drama, history, and storytelling—to help you, your volunteers, and your students find their unique place in the greatest story of all.

When Jesus Comes to Dinner

Teachers: Leonard Allen, Darryl Tippens

The weekly observance of the Lord's Supper has long been a key identity marker of Churches of Christ, yet even as the practice has been forcefully defended as an essential ordinance of the church, for many believers the spiritual power and purpose of communion have been mysteriously reduced. “When Jesus Comes to Dinner” will explore the Bible’s and the ancient church’s rich and multifaceted understanding of the Eucharist with a call to restore its fuller meaning. The session will invite participants to join in crafting fresh language for creative communion services.

Becoming a Discipling Church

Teachers: Sandy Johnson, Dusty Rush

Ministry in 2022 is hard. Many church leaders are overwhelmed with the, now seemingly impossible task of gathering Christians for one hour each week. Creating onramps for engaging these same Christians in substantive discipling can seem all but impossible. In this session, we want to claim that discipling is not dead while exploring together practical ways churches can train followers of Jesus to fully participate with God in missional living.

The Journey of the Soul

Teacher: Claire Allensworth

How does the soul develop and change? Do we have a vision for how intimacy with God can grow throughout our lifetime? How can we assist others into a more soul-full life with God? Join us as we consider the journey of the soul as modeled by Saint Teresa of Avila and consider key questions, challenges, and opportunities at each stage of our dynamic life with God.

Christians are Desperate for the Holy Spirit

Teacher: Jay Hawkins

Christians have become more comfortable talking about the Holy Spirit yet something is amiss. Why has our current church and cultural situation caused an increased thirst for the Spirit? What practical steps forward can we take?

Community That Can Row North

Teacher: Rhonda Lowry

Characteristics of Christian community that can sustain itself while rowing against the current

Hope Knows No Defeat

Teacher: Jim Martin

Many Christians, including ministers and other church leaders, describe the last two years as being very hard. Yet, this is the time to be intentional regarding practices and habits that can give us strength and courage. This class will offer something helpful for all us who want to live as a people of hope.

Healing the Roots of Discrimination

Teacher: Todd Lollar

Todd shares his discovery of the three roots of discrimination found within the church. In his bestselling book, Weak is the New Strong, he guides readers down the path of self-discovery as he shares his personal story of revelation upon realizing that God’s power is displayed through his weakness, Cerebral Palsy. In this session, Todd will not only help attendees discover how God’s power is displayed through their own weakness, he will also discuss the implications of not viewing others in that light. As he shares in his book, he experiences the most discrimination within the church, and in this session he will help you learn how to heal the roots of that discrimination for all involved.

Encountering God Through Scripture Prayer Practices

Teacher: Falon Barton

While reading the Bible for information is important, the story of the Bible is meant to help us experience the living God. We will learn five spiritual practices that give us a more holistic understanding of the Bible and, most importantly, draw us deeper into the presence of God. For anyone who leads small groups or teaches Bible classes — or who wants to breathe new life into their own Bible study — these practices will help the Bible come alive in whole new ways.